Pop-n-lock vs OEM tailgate lock?

Any thoughts on the pop-n-lock vs OEM tailgate lock? Price seems close enough for it to not be a factor.

The PnL actuator is a fork design that is not directly coupled to the lock bolt. The OEM is a solenoid plunger that IS directly coupled. One concern I have is that if the solenoid/actuator were to fail, will the tailgate still be able to be unlocked with a key? With the PnL, it seems that it should be able to no problem, since the actuator is not directly connected and the lock can move independently. The OEM seems like it could hold the lock closed if it seized in the lock position.

Then there is reliability... how long will each last? Seems like most people love to trust Toyota engineering and choose OEM over aftermarket on most other parts, but I see the PnL recommended a lot on here.

Any comments?

 

It's worth noting the Pop n lock is designed to plug into the drivers side harness, meaning the tailgate will unlock with the drivers side door. I.E. every time you unlock the truck. I wanted my tailgate to only unlock with the passenger doors so I went with the OEM option instead.

 

I started the install but couldn’t find the plug to pull the wire into the cab. I have an access cab sr5. Any help on exact location would be appreciated. Because of age(I guess) laying on my back for over 30 seconds makes my feel sick. Old age.. gotta love it

 

I have the oem on my 2017. Quality kit, very happy with it. I'm partial to oem parts. I've heard the pop and lock is loud.

 

@Greg-tacoma, I have the same issue with laying on my back. I installed the tailgate and kick panel portions of the OEM lock, but paid my mechanic to put it on his lift for the frame portion.

 

I installed the PnL, but I don't think that matters. It's been a while, but IIRC, the plug is under the driver's seat. You need to remove the driver door kick panel, and also the foot-well kick-panel, to get to the wiring harness to connect your tailgate lock wiring. I had a plug-n-play harness, no tap splices for me.

Loud, yes. But then again, I know it's working...

 

Is there any difference between the 2021 and 2023 models? Seems so many aftermarket parts (including listings for the pop-n-lock) are for 2016-21 or 22 models.

 

My 23 Tacoma had the tailgate lock as a port installed option. Maybe it's a fluke but somewhere between 10-15K miles the actuator quit working. It tries to actuate but cannot and will blow the fuses. I was investigating the issue and was surprised to see that the port installed the Pop & Lock kit instead of the OEM. I plan to have the dealership fix it under warranty soon and I'm hoping that they switch it to the OEM kit.

 

Did the PnL switch from wire taps to plugs? When I was installing mine I went with OEM because I didn't want to worry about splicing into the factory wiring.

 

As far as I can tell, it's all plug and play.

 

I purchased a tee harness separately for my P 'n L. It came with taps... This was two years ago.

This one comes with the tee-harness:
POP & Lock – Power Tailgate Lock with Plug and Play T-Harness – Toyota Tacoma Fits Models 2016 to 2022 (PL8547TAC)

$131 Pop & Lock – Power Tailgate Lock with Plug and Play T-Harness – Toyota Tacoma Fits Models 2016 to 2023 (PL8547TAC)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T59YR22

 

I installed the Pop n Lock around a year ago, it was plug and play. I went to the passenger side so that it only unlocked on the second press. Had to do some trial an error to find the right wires, but it works fine so far. I also read it was a bit loud so I put some sound deadening on the tailgate when I installed it.

 

I read a post recently about this, but can't recall the specific reason why Toyota claims it doesn't fit the 21-23's. Nothing has really changed with these trucks, so I see no reason why it wouldn't. It's all plug and play as you stated.

 

I have the OEM lock. Easy install.

I can use my key to unlock the tailgate. Although it'll require a bit more force since it'll move the actuator.

I tend to think OEM is usually a safe option/baseline for quality parts.

 

Of course it is loud but I have had someone looking at my truck while I was in the restaurant looking out the window.. I used FOB to lock. The loud bang scared the nosy person away that he got jumped and walked off.

 

OEM, its a better kit and well thought out! Also its quieter than the PNL.

 

Hey all,
I have a 2023 crew cab short bed (5ft). Is this the correct part number?

$162 PK3B6-35JS0 Toyota Genuine 2019 & Newer Tacoma Short Wheelbase Tailgate Lock (PK3B6-35JS0)

PK3B6-35JS0
Thanks,
-M

 

We do these installs all the time… I personally believe it’s one of the most worth while mods you can add to your taco.
That being said we did a bunch on PnL’s before the OEM was available and the difference in quality is very noticeable, the way the wiring feels and is protected is much better in OEM, but more importantly, the OEM is quieter, so we almost always sell/install OEMs now.

 

When you all say it's "loud," I'm having trouble understanding why that would matter. Like, it makes a noise when it actuates? Is that really a big deal?

I'm considering buying a PnL, and it would be good to understand this before I buy. Maybe I'm missing the point?

 

I'm also wondering. I'm in the DCSB crew. Is there a good reference for when to use the

$162 PK3B6-35JS0 Toyota Genuine 2019 & Newer Tacoma Short Wheelbase Tailgate Lock (PK3B6-35JS0)

PK3B6-35JS0 vs the

$163 PK3B6-35JL0 Toyota Genuine 2019 & Newer Tacoma Long Wheelbase Tailgate Lock PK3B6-35JL0

PK3B6-35JL0?